Black Darter vs Blue-black Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Darter | Blue-black Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum danae | Anoplius viaticus |
| Order | Odonata | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 29-34mm | 8-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Darter
Britain s smallest dragonfly where mature males become entirely jet black, unique among European dragonflies. Females and immatures are yellow with black markings. It prefers acidic boggy habitats.
Did You Know?
Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.
Blue-black Spider Wasp
A dark metallic blue spider wasp with orange-red abdominal bands. It hunts wolf spiders on sandy heathlands and dunes across Europe.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first solitary wasps to appear each spring in northern Europe, sometimes flying as early as March.